Warning as more artisan types are urgently recalled with a ‘do not eat’ alert over listeria fears

More batches of artisanal soft cheeses have been urgently recalled over fears they pose a health risk. 

Last week, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) stuck a ‘do not eat’ alert out for five batches covering three products made by The Old Cheese Room.

Now, it is feared that even more cheese may be contaminated with listeria, with six more batches of cheese added to the ‘do not eat’ list.

The bacteria, which can lead to a fever, sickness and diarrhoea, has been found on the some of the Wiltshire brand’s Baronet, Baby Baronet and Mini Baronet varieties.

The Old Cheese Room has recalled the products, which have certain ‘best before’ dates, urging customers not to eat the cheeses and instead contact them for a refund.

The Old Cheese Room’s Baronet Soft Cheese (pictured), Baby Baronet Soft Cheese and Mini Baronet Soft Cheese are all affected by the recall

Listeria is a bacteria that poses a particular threat to the elderly, pregnant women and babies. 

For most people listeria poisoning can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills and feeling or being sick.

Usually symptoms recede after a few days. 

However, some vulnerable groups can develop life-threatening complications, such as sepsis and meningitis. 

The FSA issues food recalls — when customers are asked to return a product — when problems are spotted with food that means it should not be sold. 

The Old Cheese Room said the move was a ‘precautionary measure’.

It said: ‘Please do not consume these products. Check if you have bought the affected batch codes.

‘Customers can contact us for a full refund (with or without a receipt).’

One recall is for the 1kg Baronet, priced at £32, with best before dates of March 21, April 11, April 12 and April 18, 2023.

The other two recalls are for the 270g Mini Baronet, costing £9 and 200g Baby Baronet.

The Mini Baronet is being recalled for three batches: March 22, April 10 and April 18, 2023.

The Baby Baronet is being recalled for batches, March 22, April 4, April 10 and April 16, 2023. 

Listeria most commonly infects chilled, ready-to-eat foods such as pre-packed sandwiches, pate and soft cheeses.

In rare cases it leads to listeriosis, which can cause a temperature, vomiting and aches and pains.

According to the latest available data, a total of 124 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales in 2020. 

Meanwhile in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 1,600 people get listeriosis each year.